Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

Wednesday Tip SheetBy Josh Jacobs

Heading into Wednesday, several teams in the Western Conference continue to sprint their way into the mid-season break. With less then two weeks until the All-Star game commences in New Orleans, there’s still plenty of opportunities to maximize those profits.

In the grand scheme of things, the underdog hasn’t been the most profitable bet at the windows. Tallying up results from last Wednesday, favorites have edged out the ‘dog with a 21-17-4 against the spread record.

Out of the eleven games scheduled on the docket, eight will pit teams with a losing record versus squads playing above .500 ball. Can any of these heavily predicted underdogs cash in? That is the million dollar question.**San Antonio at Washington**

Breaking away from a three-game losing streak last Thursday (beating Phoenix 84-81), San Antonio will continue its nine-game road stint in Washington. The Wizards have gone 13-13 ATS when installed as an underdog this season, and are 1-3 ATS in their last four games (Washington has been a ‘dog in those past four). Finishing off January with a disappointing 8-8 SU record, the Spurs free fell in the financial department with a 4-12 ATS debt (all January games). Playing against teams with a winning record on the road, San Antonio is 3-7 ATS this season.

**L.A. Lakers at Atlanta**

Struggling to scratch across a .500 performance before the All-Star break, the Hawks continue to sputter down the stretch. Going 3-7 SU and 3-6-1 ATS is not only detrimental to bettors, but is hazardous to Atlanta’s divisional health. Surprisingly, Atlanta is 14-9 SU at home this season. Hoping to get inside help from newly acquired Pau Gasol, the Lakers will look to stretch their 10-4-1 ATS road run (in the last 15 games). Since meeting in November of 2002, L.A. owns a 6-4 SU and ATS record in head-to-head matches with Atlanta.

**New Jersey at Orlando**

The Nets enter Wednesday with a 2-7 ATS slump in their last nine road games. Scoring an incredibly low 90.6 PPG in its last five and hitting a putrid 43.6-precent of their field goal shots, New Jersey is still trying to recover from its nine-game fall. With the Magic going 7-2 SU and 5-3-1 ATS in their last 10, can we expect a bounce back after slipping to Dallas on Monday (107-98)? Coming off one day of rest, Orlando has secured a 15-12 ATS statement this season. One surprise to note is the 6-8 SU record the Magic have posted when star center Dwight Howard has scored 25 points or more.

**L.A. Clippers at Boston**

If records don’t indicate the discrepancy of play, then Boston’s 9/5 odds to take the NBA Championship versus L.A.’s mountainous 5000/1 price tag should unveil most of this story. Covering 27 out of 44 games, coming to play with a 20-4 SU home record and holding teams to 88.2 PPG this season, the Celtics will surely give the Clippers a run for their money. In stark contrast, L.A. has suffered with a field goal percentage of 43.8, while shooting blanks from beyond the arc at 33-precent. With a 5-11 SU and 7-9 ATS slide in their last 16, the Clips will be facing a huge uphill climb.

**Indiana at New York**

Involved in a six-game slide and racking up four lonely victories in their last 20, the Pacers are desperate for some positive play. Backers should be just as disappointed, ripping up tickets with an 8-12 ATS bill in the same 20 game stretch. Losing six straight, New York was blown out by the Pacers at Madison Square Garden, 119-92 back in December. Shooting 38-precent from the field, and allowing Indiana to hit 58-precent of its shots, the Knicks haven’t faired well throughout the season. Nate Robinson (quadricep) and Quentin Richardson (ankle) are listed as day-to-day.

**Miami at Detroit**

One win in 20 games comes close to describing the state of affairs in South Florida hoops. Surrendering 102.4 PPG in those 20 contests, the Heat have not only burnt fans, but backers are clambering to escape the wrath. Gamblers have seen three wins against the spread in the last 20. The Pistons will welcome Miami with open arms, displaying a 17-4 SU home record. Faders of the Heat listen up; not only is Detroit 7-4 ATS at home versus teams playing over .500, but a 6-3 ATS record over teams with a losing record inside the Palace speak volumes in this spot.

**Milwaukee at Dallas**

Entering with a 2-9 ATS profit on the road versus teams with a winning record, the Bucks are hoping an upset is in order. Scoring 104.2 PPG at home, the Mavericks have fallen drastically in offensive production, accounting for a low 91.4 PPG in their last five. Coming off zero days of rest, Milwaukee has tallied up a 10-11 ATS record this season. In their last 17 games versus Southwest teams, the Bucks have chased in on the ‘over’ 12 times. Milwaukee’s Michael Redd remains doubtful for Wednesday’s contests with a knee injury.

**Utah at Denver**

With both teams posting great home records, it will be Denver who must protect its own house this time around. A 20-5 SU home record must be a rally call for the Nuggets, who square off against a Jazz team going 8-1 ATS in their last nine. What Utah has accomplished in points allowed (99.1 PPG), Denver thrives in defensive rebounds (45.7 RPG). But then again, the Nuggets have been able to hold teams back at home with 99.5 PPG allowed. In its last two head-to-head meetings, Denver has gone 2-0 SU and ATS, while the ‘over’ has cashed in eight times in the last 10 (four straight).

**New Orleans at Phoenix**

Covering the spread in their last four head-to-head meetings together, the Hornets will need help from the entire squad after dropping their last three (getting outscored 338-294). Phoenix has been on fire in its last 20, taking 15 of those games with an average point difference of plus-13.8 PPG. Coming off one day of rest, the Suns hold the money making edge with a 17-10-1 ATS (with New Orleans not that far behind with a 15-13 ATS record). As we all know Phoenix’s ability to score in droves, the ‘over’ has gone 13-9 at home this season.

**Seattle at Sacramento**

In their last eight clashes together, Sacramento has been one-game short of perfect. Wiping out Seattle with a 7-1 SU and 4-4 ATS record in those eight, the Kings will now look to apply a four-game winning streak to Wednesday’s tussle. Starting the season with four wins and nine losses, Sacramento looks to be headed in the right direction, going 8-3 SU and 6-5 ATS in the last 11. In defense of Seattle, three straight wins before falling to Chicago (118-108) has been a big step for the squad. Before the three-game run, the Sonics where tangled up in a 14-game free fall.

**Chicago at Portland**

Still playing with a less then healthy squad, the Bulls will be looking for their fifth win in 10 games. Going 2-1 SU and 1-2 ATS in three overtime games (in the last 10), Chicago is scoring less then it’s allowing in the last five (91.8 PPG versus 93.8 PPG allowed). And if all this overtime talk wasn’t enough, the last time Portland faced off against Chicago was on Jan. 3. In dramatic fashion, the Trail Blazers walked off Chicago’s court with a 115-109 victory. Portland not only found itself the winner straight up, but also the reason for cashing in tickets as a four-point ‘underdog’.

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

Road Traps

**Kentucky at Auburn**

--Las Vegas Sports Consultants opened Kentucky (10-9 straight up, 7-8 against the spread) as a four-point ‘chalk’ with a total of 137.

--Billy Gillispie’s first team at UK is starting to play better, winning three in a row both SU and ATS. Even better, the Wildcats are 5-1 ATS in their last six games with the only non-cover coming in an OT loss at Florida as 7½-point underdogs. With 10 regular-season games left, they probably need to win at least seven of them and have a decent showing at the SEC Tournament in order for the Selection Committee to forget about home losses to Gardner Webb and San Diego.

--Auburn (12-8 SU, 6-6 ATS) owns a 7-4 SU record and 3-3 ATS mark at home. The Tigers are 2-2 ATS in four games as home underdogs.

--Jeff Lebo’s team has lost three straight games, including Saturday’s 78-71 defeat at Vanderbilt. Despite taking the loss, the Tigers cashed tickets for their backers as 11-point underdogs.

--Kentucky has won eight in a row against Auburn, compiling a 5-2-1 spread record in the process.

--UK’s Jodie Meeks (10.1 points per game) and Ramel Bradley (15.8 PPG) are “questionable.” Meeks didn’t play at UGA, while Bradley sustained a concussion and a cut chin on a hard foul from Dave Bliss. According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, Bradley did not practice Monday.

--How far down is Kentucky this season? Even though it’s February, this is the first time the ‘Cats have been favored on the road all year.

--The ‘over’ is on a 7-1 run in Auburn’s last eight home games. The ‘over’ is 8-4 overall for the Tigers this year. The ‘over’ is 9-7 overall for UK.

--In SEC Country, this is the FSN game that’ll tip off at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

**Wisconsin at Iowa**

--LVSC opened Wisconsin (18-3 SU, 9-9 ATS) as a 5 ½-point favorite. The Badgers are looking for their third straight win following double-digit wins over Minnesota (63-47) and Indiana (62-49) last week.

--Iowa (11-12 SU, 9-11 ATS) is 9-5 SU and 5-6 ATS at home. The Hawkeyes are 2-2 SU and 3-1 ATS in four Big Ten games as home underdogs. They are off a 53-48 win over Ohio State as four-point home underdogs. Justin Johnson paced the winners with 24 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Johnson took all 13 of his shots from 3-point land, draining eight of them.

--Wisconsin hasn’t tripped on many road traps this season. Bo Ryan’s squad has a 4-1 record both SU and ATS as a road ‘chalk.’

--Wisconsin has won nine of the last 10 head-to-head meetings between these Big Ten rivals. However, the Hawkeyes are 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight encounters. The ‘under’ is 7-2 in the last nine matchups.

--The ‘under’ has cashed in four consecutive Iowa games. The ‘under’ is 13-7 overall for the Hawkeyes, 8-3 in their home games.

--The ‘under’ is 13-5 overall for the Badgers. The ‘under’ has prevailed in five straight Wisconsin games and 11 of its last 13.

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

Duke at North CarolinaBy Judd Hall

I don’t exactly know how much tension (bordering on hate) can be felt within an eight-mile trip. I’m sure a Blue Devils fan will be able to tell me all about it when they make that trip on Wednesday night to the Dean Smith Center for the renewal of their long standing rivalry with the Tar Heels.

This year’s Part 1 sees Duke (19-1 straight up, 12-6-1 against the spread) ranked No. 2 in the nation, while North Carolina (21-1 SU, 14-5 ATS) follows close behind in the polls at third.

The Heels enter this contest fresh off of an 84-73 victory against Florida State as 9 ½-point road favorites on Feb. 3. Junior forward Tyler Hansbrough had a huge night, scoring 22 points and collecting 21 rebounds in 41 minutes on the court…all team highs for the evening.

All was not rosy for North Carolina though as speedy point guard Ty Lawson came up lame after just four minutes in the first half versus the ‘Noles. X-rays were negative, but the prognosis is a badly sprained left ankle.

Duke rolled off its ninth straight win on Feb. 2 as a 15-point home “chalk” over the Hurricanes, 88-73. The Blue Devils were led by senior guard DeMarcus Nelson scoring 21 points, six board and four assists in 32 minutes of work. The Blue Devils have gone 6-2-1 ATS in their last nine games.

Nelson leads the Dukies in scoring by getting 15.2 points per game, but this was just the sixth time this year that he’s broken out for at least 20 points. In fact, the Blue Devils have five players that are averaging at least 10 PPG this season. One of those players, guard Jon Scheyer, is picking up 10.4 PPG without starting in one of Duke’s 20 contests.

Lawson’s injury really comes into play for this matchup. Carolina head coach Roy Williams isn’t exactly holding his breath to see him on the court on Wednesday.

“I don't feel real good about him playing,” said Williams during the Atlantic Coast Conference’s media teleconference. “We won't have any idea if he will play, or how much he will play, until after (Tuesday’s) practice-- if he can practice.”

Compounding matters is Lawson’s backup, Bobby Frasor, is out for the year with torn knee ligaments. The result will be a platoon of third-string guard Quentin Thomas and swingman Marcus Ginyard. However, Ginyard is running a bit lame right now with a case of turf toe.

His bad ankle also has the sports books on alert right now. Mike Seba, an oddsmaker with Las Vegas Sports Consultants, has told VegasInsider.com that if Lawson plays, the Heels will be favored by 6 ½ points. If he’s a scratch, UNC will be listed as a 4 ½-point home “chalk.”

It will be interesting to see how North Carolina’s offense operates this Wednesday, which currently ranks second in the nation by averaging 91 PPG this year. Duke isn’t far behind, pulling in 85.7 PPG on offense this season.

VegasInsider.com expert handicapper James Manos doesn’t believe that UNC will be that bad off without Lawson. “He’s certainly the speedster that helps power their transition game, but Carolina will just rely more on Hansbrough more than they already do.” Manos continued, “Expect the Tar Heels to punish Duke under the basket and force them to foul.”

Should Carolina win the foul battle, then Duke will be in a world of hurt. The Tar Heels love it at the charity stripe, making 76 percent of their free throws. And the Blue Devils love sending people there, committing 19.3 fouls per game.

Of course, the injury could be all for naught. That’s because as good as the Blue Devils are against everyone else in the ACC right now, they’ve had issues recently when playing against their Tobacco Road foes. Duke has gone 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS in its past four games versus the Tar Heels.

Adding more fuel to that fire is the fact that North Carolina is 7-1 SU and ATS at the “Dean Dome.” Also, the Heels have gone 21-2 SU and 18-4 ATS at home in the last two seasons.

The underdog has been very profitable in this series, going 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings of Duke-North Carolina. And ‘over’ came in with an 8-5 mark.

Tip-off is set for 9:00 pm EDT with ESPN taking care of broadcasting duties.

''I don't feel real good about him playing,'' Williams said during the Atlantic Coast Conference's weekly media teleconference.

Williams said he wouldn't know Lawson's status for Wednesday night's game until after practice Tuesday.

The sophomore point guard didn't return after he sprained his left ankle early in the first half of the No. 4 Tar Heels' 84-73 overtime victory at Florida State on Sunday. X-rays showed no broken bones, Williams said.

''We won't have any idea if he will play, or how much he will play, until after practice (Tuesday) - if he can practice,'' Williams said.

Lawson's top backup, Bobby Frasor, is out for the season with torn knee ligaments. That leaves third-stringer Quentin Thomas and starting swingman Marcus Ginyard as options if Lawson can't play.

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

A huge Atlantic Coast Conference matchup pits two of the country’s top three teams against each other when the Blue Devils make the bus ride to Chapel Hill to battle archrival North Carolina.

Duke ran its winning streak to nine in a row (6-2-1 ATS) with Saturday’s 88-73 victory over Miami (Fla.), pushing as a 15-point home favorite to end a 6-0 ATS winning streak – all in ACC play. The Blue Devils (7-0 ACC) are averaging 89.4 ppg and 49 percent shooting in their last five starts, outscoring opponents by nearly 15 points per game. However, those opponents hit 50.4 percent from the field in those five games.

North Carolina needed overtime to fend off Florida State 84-73 Sunday, yet still covered as a 9½-point road chalk for its third straight win and cover. The Tar Heels (6-1, 4-3 ATS in the ACC) are the No. 1 rebounding team in the country and they had a dominating 50-25 edge on the glass against the Seminoles. Over its last five games, UNC is scoring 87.2 points on 45.4 percent shooting and allowing 77.6 on 44.6 percent shooting.

North Carolina has won and covered three straight meetings in this storied rivalry, including a pair of victories last year (79-73 as a four-point road chalk and 86-72 as a 10-point home favorite). The schools have split their last 10 meetings, but the Tar Heels are 7-3 ATS during this stretch, including 4-0 ATS in the last four.

Additionally, in this series, Duke is 1-4 ATS in its last five trips to Chapel Hill, and the underdog is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 clashes.

These are two of the three highest-scoring teams in the nation, as the Tar Heels are second at 91 ppg, while Duke ranks third at 85.7 ppg. The Blue Devils shoot 48.5 percent from the field (38.7 percent from three-point land), just a shade better than UNC’s 48.3 percent field-goal average (36.6 percent from long range).

The Blue Devils’ red-hot 6-0-1 ATS mark in ACC play is tempered by its 2-9 ATS mark in its last 11 Wednesday outings. Duke is also on an 0-4 ATS slide in its last four games against teams with a winning record.

Conversely, the Tar Heels are 4-0 ATS against winning teams and are on additional positive ATS runs of 36-15 overall, 25-7 at home (7-1 ATS at home this year), 37-14-1 coming off a spread-cover, 7-3 on Wednesday and 39-17-1 following a SU victory.

Duke has scored at least 80 points in six of seven conference games, including the last five in a row, while North Carolina has hit the 80-point mark in 16 consecutive contests, including all seven ACC contests.

The over is on a 4-0 run in this series and is 5-1 in the last six battles at Chapel Hill. Also, the over is on streaks of 5-0 for Duke overall, 29-11 for Duke in ACC contests, 10-4 for Carolina overall, 4-0 for Carolina against teams with a winning record and 6-2 for Carolina in ACC play.

ATS ADVANTAGE: NORTH CAROLINA and OVER

(19) UConn (16-5, 7-9-1 ATS) at Syracuse (16-7, 11-10 ATS)

The Huskies bring their five-game winning streak to upstate New York for a Big East battle against Syracuse, which has won its last three games.

Connecticut beat Pittsburgh 60-53 Saturday as a four-point home chalk for its fourth straight conference victory, giving the Huskies a 6-3 mark in the Big East (5-3-1 ATS). UConn, with the country’s ninth-best field-goal defense (37.7 percent), allowed just 32.2 percent shooting (19 of 59) to the Panthers, while hitting 19 of its 42 shots (45.2 percent). During their five-game winning streak, the Huskies have shot 47.7 percent and allowed just 39.5 percent shooting.

Syracuse dropped Villanova 87-73 as a three-point road underdog Saturday for its fourth consecutive spread-cover, avenging an 81-71 home loss to Villanova as a 4½-point favorite two weeks earlier. The Orange (6-4 SU and ATS in league play) shot a scorching 62.8 percent (27 of 43) against the Wildcats and dominated the boards (33-18).

These two teams met three times last season, with Syracuse going 2-1 SU and ATS, including a 73-63 home victory as a four-point chalk and a 78-65 win giving three points in the Big East tournament. The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings, and the home team is on a 4-1 ATS run.

The Huskies are just 5-14 ATS in their last 19 road games, and they are on additional negative ATS runs of 6-13-1 after a victory, 1-10-1 coming off a spread-cover and 0-4 in Wednesday contests. On a positive note, UConn is 4-1-1 ATS against teams with a winning percentage over .600 and is 5-2-1 ATS in its last eight overall.

The Orange are a mediocre 6-7 ATS at home on the season, but they are 3-1 ATS in their last four at the dome, with the three wins coming by an average of 13.7 points.

The over is 6-2 in UConn’s last eight road trips. However, the under is 9-4-1 in the Huskies’ last 14 Wednesday contests and 7-1 Syracuse’s last eight overall. The under is also 9-4 in the last 13 meetings in this series, with two of three last year staying low.

ATS ADVANTAGE: UNDER

(12) Texas (17-4, 8-8 ATS) at Oklahoma (15-6, 9-9 ATS)

The Longhorns, who haven’t covered two straight games since the first week of December, look to do just that in a Big 12 matchup at rival Oklahoma.

Texas downed Baylor 80-72 Saturday and barely got the cash as a seven-point home favorite, moving to 4-2 in conference play (2-4 ATS). For the season, the Longhorns are shooting 46.9 percent, but they shot just 41.9 percent against the Bears and are a notch below that in the last five games (40.6 percent).

Oklahoma lost to Texas A&M 60-52 on Saturday catching 6½ points, halting a 3-0 run (1-2 ATS). The Sooners are 3-3 in Big 12 play but have only cashed once in those six games – a 77-71 upset at Baylor as a 4½-point underdog.

Texas is on a 3-0 SU and ATS run in this series, including a 68-58 road win last year as a two-point pup. The Longhorns are 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings and are 4-1 ATS on their last five trips to Norman. Also, the underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last seven meetings.

The Longhorns are on negative ATS runs of 3-7 overall, 0-4 on the highway, 1-4 after a spread-cover and 3-7 on Wednesday. On the positive side, they are 8-3 ATS against teams with a winning record and 13-6 ATS coming off a SU victory.

The Sooners are on a 5-0 ATS run in Wednesday outings, and they are 5-1 ATS against teams with a winning road record. However, they are on extended pointspread slumps of 1-6 overall, 0-4 at home, 8-18 after a non-cover, 8-21-2 against the Big 12 and 3-8 against winning teams.

The under is 6-3 in Texas’ last nine overall, 2-0 in Oklahoma’s last two, 6-1 in Oklahoma’s last seven Wednesday contests and 4-2 in the last six meetings between these teams.

ATS ADVANTAGE: TEXAS

Utah (31-18, 26-23 ATS) at Denver (29-18, 25-22 ATS)

The streaking Jazz travel up to the Mile High City for a critical Northwest Division showdown against the Nuggets, the last team to beat Utah.

Since suffering a 120-109 loss at Denver on Jan. 17, the Jazz have ripped off nine consecutive wins (8-1 ATS), the longest current win streak in the NBA. Eight of Utah’s nine victories have come by at least nine points, including six by double digits, the most recent being Monday’s 110-88 rout of the Hornets as a three-point favorite.

Denver is playing solid basketball as well, going 7-3 SU and ATS in its last 10, a run that began with the victory over Utah. The Nuggets outlasted the Blazers 105-103 as a two-point road underdog on Monday, their third straight win and cover. In fact, George Karl’s club is on a 6-1 ATS roll (4-0 ATS as a favorite).

The Jazz hold a one-game lead over Denver in the Northwest Division standings.

The Nuggets cashed as a three-point home chalk in their 120-109 win over the Jazz on Jan. 17, the first meeting of the season between these division rivals. Denver has cashed in the last two matchups after Utah went 6-0 ATS in the previous six. The chalk has covered in nine of the last 12 clashes.

Denver has won eight straight games at the Pepsi Center, going 7-1 ATS. For the season, the Nuggets 20-5 SU and 15-10 ATS on their own floor.

Since the loss at Denver last month, Utah has won and covered in four consecutive road games after starting the season 6-15 SU and ATS on the highway. The straight-up winner is 23-2 ATS in Utah’s 25 road contests.

Denver is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 as a favorite and 8-4 ATS as a small chalk this season (less than six points). The Nuggets are on further ATS hot streaks of 4-1 in divisional games, 7-1 at home against teams with losing road records and 5-0 when playing on one day of rest.

Utah is 1-4 ATS in its last five as an underdog and 3-9 ATS in its last 12 divisional games. On a positive note, Jerry Sloan’s squad has cashed in seven straight games versus the Western Conference and four of five when playing on one day of rest.

The Jazz have stayed under the total in six consecutive games, giving up just 89.2 points per contest during this stretch. However, the over is 4-1 in the Nuggets’ last five at home. Also, in this series, the over is on runs of 8-2 overall, including 4-0 in the last four, and 4-1 at the Pepsi Center.

ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER and OVER

New Orleans (32-15, 29-17-1 ATS) at Phoenix (34-14, 22-25-1 ATS)

The suddenly slumping Hornets complete a tough three-game road trip in the desert tonight when they battle the Suns, who will be looking to avenge last month’s home loss to New Orleans.

From Dec. 19-Jan. 28, New Orleans was the hottest team in the NBA, going 17-2 SU and ATS, including nine consecutive wins – eight by double digits – from Jan.11-Jan. 28. Since then, however, the Hornets have hit a wall, getting blown out in three straight contests against the Warriors at home (116-103), and the Kings (112-103) and Jazz (110-88) on the road. New Orleans failed to cash in all three losses. In fact, the straight-up winner has covered the spread in each of the Hornets’ last 23 games.

Phoenix, which is in the midst of a six-game homestand, had little trouble with Charlotte on Monday, winning 118-104 to improve to 15-5 SU in its last 20. However, the Suns failed to get a bucket in the final 2 ½ minutes against the Bobcats and just missed getting the money as a 14½-point home chalk. Still, they’re 7-3 ATS in their last 10 (3-1-1 ATS at home).

The Hornets went to Phoenix and stunned the Suns 118-113 as an eight-point road underdog on Jan. 5, the first battle of the season between the squads. Although Phoenix is 6-2 SU in the last eight meetings, the Hornets have cashed in each of the last four overall, and they’re 8-2-1 ATS in their last 11 visits to the US Airways Center, all as an underdog.

Despite getting destroyed in its last two road contests, New Orleans is still 22-7-1 ATS in its last 30 road games, including 15-7-1 ATS this year (16-7 SU). The Hornets are also on positive ATS upticks of 16-5 against the Pacific Division, 9-4 as an underdog this season, 19-7 on Wednesdays, 8-2 on one day of rest and 12-4 against the Western Conference.

Phoenix is 6-1 versus the line in its last seven on one day of rest. On the flip side, Mike D’Antoni’s team is mired in ATS slumps of 6-13-1 against the Western Conference, 1-4-1 on Wednesdays and 1-4-1 against the Southwest Division.

The over is 7-3 in the Hornets’ last 10 overall and 5-1 in their last six against the Pacific Division. However, the Suns are on under streaks of 5-1 against the Western Conference and 5-1 against the Southwest Division. Also, the under is 9-1 in the last 10 head-to-head meetings overall and 6-1 in the last seven in Phoenix, with the lone “over” occurring in last month’s 118-113 battle.

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Atlanta Hawks

- The Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Philips Arena.

Pau Gasol scored 24 points and hauled down 12 boards for a double-double Tuesday, as the Lakers defeated the Nets 105-90. The Lakers covered the 7-point spread on the road, while the 195 points fell UNDER the posted total of 209.

Derek Fisher shot 9-for-18 from the field with 24 points for the Lakers, and Vladimir Radmanovic added 16 in the win.

The Hawks got behind early, but came back for a 96-91 victory over the 76ers last time out. The Hawks failed to cover the 5-point spread, and the 187 points fell UNDER the night's posted total of 188.

Los Angeles most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 4-6Before playing Orlando are 3-7After playing New Jersey are 3-7After a win are 7-3

Atlanta most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 7-3Before playing Cleveland are 5-5After playing Philadelphia are 4-6After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:LA Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 gamesThe total has gone OVER in 5 of the LA Lakers last 6 games when playing AtlantaLA Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 gamesLA Lakers are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games on the roadThe total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing LA LakersAtlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at homeAtlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at homeThe total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games when playing at home against LA Lakers

Next up:LA Lakers at Orlando, Friday, February 8Atlanta home to Cleveland, Friday, February 8

New Jersey most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 5-5Before playing Charlotte are 4-6After playing LA Lakers are 6-4After a loss are 1-9

Orlando most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 2-8Before playing LA Lakers are 3-7After playing Dallas are 4-6After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing OrlandoThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing on the road against OrlandoNew Jersey is 18-6-1 ATS in its last 25 games when playing on the road against OrlandoNew Jersey is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against OrlandoOrlando is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at homeOrlando is 4-1 SU in its last 5 gamesThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing New JerseyThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of Orlando's last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey

Next up:New Jersey at Charlotte, Friday, February 8Orlando home to LA Lakers, Friday, February 8

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

San Antonio Spurs vs. Washington Wizards

- The fans at Verizon Center will be treated to a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Washington Wizards when they take their seats on Wednesday.

The Spurs jumped out to an early lead and closed out a 116-89 victory over the Pacers on Tuesday. The Spurs covered the 5.5-point spread on the road, and the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 193.5.

Tim Duncan shot 7-for-12 from the field with 19 points and hauled down 15 boards to complete a double-double for the Spurs.

The Wizards lost 101-96 to the 76ers last time out, as 2-point favorites on the road. The 197 points made it OVER the posted total of 190.5.

Brendan Hayward shot 6-for-9 from the field with 18 points and eight rebounds in a losing effort.

Current streak:San Antonio has won 2 straight games.Washington has lost 4 straight games.

San Antonio most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 9-1Before playing New York are 5-5After playing Indiana are 8-2After a win are 5-5

Washington most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 6-4Before playing Denver are 4-6After playing Philadelphia are 5-5After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:The total has gone UNDER in 10 of San Antonio's last 11 gamesThe total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games on the roadSan Antonio is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing WashingtonSan Antonio is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against WashingtonThe total has gone UNDER in 13 of Washington's last 16 games at homeWashington is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at homeWashington is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at homeThe total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games

Next up:San Antonio at New York, Friday, February 8Washington at Denver, Friday, February 8

Los Angeles most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 4-6Before playing Toronto are 5-5After playing New York are 3-7After a win are 0-10

Boston most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 2-8Before playing Minnesota are 5-5After playing Cleveland are 5-5After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider:The total has gone UNDER in 5 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing on the road against BostonThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of the LA Clippers last 5 games when playing BostonLA Clippers are 6-13 SU in their last 19 games when playing BostonLA Clippers are 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing on the road against BostonThe total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games when playing at home against LA ClippersBoston is 20-4 SU in its last 24 games at homeThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing LA ClippersBoston is 16-6 SU in its last 22 games

Next up:LA Clippers at Toronto, Friday, February 8Boston at Minnesota, Friday, February 8

Indiana most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 5-5Before playing Portland are 6-4After playing San Antonio are 5-5After a loss are 3-7

New York most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 5-5Before playing San Antonio are 1-9After playing LA Clippers are 1-9After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 gamesIndiana is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New YorkIndiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New YorkThe total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing New YorkThe total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing IndianaThe total has gone OVER in 9 of New York's last 12 games when playing at home against IndianaThe total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 gamesNew York is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games

Next up:Indiana home to Portland, Saturday, February 9New York home to San Antonio, Friday, February 8

Miami most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 5-5Before playing Philadelphia are 7-3After playing Toronto are 7-3After a loss are 1-9

Detroit most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 6-4Before playing Portland are 7-3After playing Dallas are 9-1After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Miami's last 12 games when playing DetroitMiami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing DetroitThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing on the road against DetroitThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 6 gamesDetroit is 5-0 SU in its last 5 gamesThe total has gone UNDER in 11 of Detroit's last 12 games when playing MiamiDetroit is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against MiamiDetroit is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games at home

Next up:Miami at Philadelphia, Thursday, February 7Detroit home to Portland, Friday, February 8

Milwaukee most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 4-6Before playing New York are 3-7After playing Memphis are 5-5After a win are 2-8

Dallas most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 5-5Before playing Memphis are 9-1After playing Orlando are 7-3After a win are 7-3

A few trends to consider:The total has gone OVER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 6 games when playing on the road against DallasMilwaukee is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing DallasThe total has gone OVER in 10 of Milwaukee's last 13 games when playing DallasThe total has gone UNDER in 5 of Milwaukee's last 7 gamesDallas is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at homeDallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against MilwaukeeThe total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing at home against MilwaukeeThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas's last 5 games

Next up:Milwaukee home to New York, Saturday, February 9Dallas home to Memphis, Friday, February 8

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets

- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Wednesday when the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets meet at Pepsi Center.

The Jazz dominated the second and third quarter Monday, as they slipped past the Hornets 110-88. The Jazz covered the 4-point spread, while the combined 198 points fell UNDER the posted total of 202.5.

Deron Williams shot 11-for-13 from the field with 29 points, and Kyle Korver added 20 points in the win.

The Nuggets scored with seconds remaining in overtime Monday, as they got past the Trail Blazers 105-103. The Nuggets won the game as a 2.5-point underdog, while the combined score made it OVER the posted total of 202.

Carmelo Anthony led the way with a game-high 28 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for a double-double. Allen Iverson chipped in with 25 points in the win.

Current streak:Utah has won 9 straight games.Denver has won 3 straight games.

Team records:Utah: 31-18 SU, 26-23 ATSDenver: 29-18 SU, 25-22 ATS

Utah most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 5-5Before playing Sacramento are 7-3After playing New Orleans are 4-6After a win are 9-1

Denver most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 6-4Before playing Washington are 6-4After playing Portland are 6-4After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Utah's last 5 gamesUtah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 gamesUtah is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 gamesUtah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the roadDenver is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at homeDenver is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games at homeDenver is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 gamesThe total has gone OVER in 4 of Denver's last 5 games at home

Next up:Utah at Sacramento, Friday, February 8Denver home to Washington, Friday, February 8

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

- The fans at US Airways Center will be treated to a game between the New Orleans Hornets and the Phoenix Suns when they take their seats on Wednesday.

The Hornets lost 110-88 to the Jazz last time out, as 4-point favorites on the road. The 198 points fell UNDER the posted total of 202.5.

Jannero Pargo finished with 24 points and shot 9-for-14 from then field in the loss.

Phoenix roared back in the second half and pulled out a hard-fought 118-104 victory over Charlotte on Monday. Phoenix failed to cover the 14.5-point spread at home, while the combined 222 points made it OVER the posted total of 217.

Amare Stoudemire shot 7-for-11 from the field with 24 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double for Phoenix. Leandro Barbosa scored a game-high 30 points in the win.

New Orleans most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 3-7Before playing Memphis are 7-3After playing Utah are 5-5After a loss are 7-3

Phoenix most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 7-3Before playing Seattle are 7-3After playing Charlotte are 5-2After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:The total has gone UNDER in 9 of New Orleans's last 10 games when playing PhoenixThe total has gone UNDER in 6 of New Orleans's last 7 games when playing on the road against PhoenixNew Orleans is 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against PhoenixNew Orleans is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games on the roadThe total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 10 games when playing New OrleansPhoenix is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at homeThe total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing at home against New OrleansPhoenix is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

Next up:New Orleans home to Memphis, Saturday, February 9Phoenix home to Seattle, Friday, February 8

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers

- The Chicago Bulls and the Portland Trail Blazers will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Rose Garden.

Joe Smith tossed in a game-high 25 points with 10 rebounds to lead the Bulls to a 118-108 victory over the SuperSonics last time out. The Bulls covered the slight 1-point spread, while the combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 193.

Ben Gordon tossed in 19 points for the Bulls, while Kirk Hinrich chipped in with 15 points in the win.

The Trail Blazers were ousted 105-103 by the Nuggets last time out, as 2.5-point underdogs. The combined score made it OVER the posted total of 202.

Brandon Roy shot 10-for-24 from the field with 26 points, seven rebounds and eight rebounds in the loss.

Chicago most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 6-4Before playing Golden State are 3-7After playing Seattle are 5-5After a win are 1-9

Portland most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 3-7Before playing Detroit are 6-4After playing Denver are 4-6After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider:Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing PortlandThe total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 9 games on the roadThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 gamesChicago is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against PortlandPortland is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games at homeThe total has gone UNDER in 6 of Portland's last 8 games at homePortland is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against ChicagoPortland is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games

Next up:Chicago at Golden State, Thursday, February 7Portland at Detroit, Friday, February 8

Seattle most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 1-9Before playing Phoenix are 5-5After playing Chicago are 3-7After a loss are 1-9

Sacramento most recently:When playing on Wednesday are 8-2Before playing Utah are 3-7After playing Chicago are 5-5After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:The total has gone OVER in 11 of Seattle's last 13 games when playing on the road against SacramentoSeattle is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against SacramentoThe total has gone UNDER in 8 of Seattle's last 11 games on the roadThe total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 gamesSacramento is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at homeThe total has gone OVER in 8 of Sacramento's last 9 games at homeSacramento is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing SeattleThe total has gone OVER in 11 of Sacramento's last 13 games when playing at home against Seattle

Next up:Seattle at Phoenix, Friday, February 8Sacramento home to Utah, Friday, February 8

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

* Lakers are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 road games.* Hawks are 8-3-1 ATS in their last 12 home games.* The UNDER is 10-4 in the last 14 Wednesday games.San Antonio Spurs at Washington Wizards

* Spurs are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games.* The UNDER is 8-0 in Washington’s last 8 games against the Western Conference.* Home team is 10-3-2 ATS in the last 15 games.Miami Heat at Detroit Pistons

* Heat are 1-10-1 ATS in their last 12 Wednesday games.* Pistons are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 home games.* The UNDER is 19-7-1 in the last 27 meetings.

Utah Jazz at Denver Nuggets

* Jazz are 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall.* Nuggets are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.* Favorite is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.

New Orleans Hornets at Phoenix Suns

* Hornets are 16-5 in their last 21 games against the Pacific Division.* Suns are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 games overall.* The UNDER is 9-1 in the last 10 meetings.

Chicago Bulls at Portland Trail Blazers

* Portland has dropped 3 of 5 on its current homestand after it had won the previous 12 at the Rose Garden. The Blazers lost to Denver 105-103 in overtime on Monday, and Brandon Roy said "This has been tough, as the intensity has been really high, but it’s been close losses.” EDGE: BULLS* The Chicago Bulls have won just 2 of their last 6 games, and have not won consecutive games since the end of December. Chicago is already missing its second-leading scorer in Luol Deng with an Achilles' injury, and now Kirk Hinrich is considered a game-time decision for this game due to a rib cage injury. EDGE: BLAZERS* Bulls are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 road games.* Blazers are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.* The UNDER is 8-2 in the Blazers last 10 games as a favorite.

CBB

#12 Texas at Oklahoma

* Texas is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games overall.* Texas is 8-3 ATS in the last 11 meetings.* Oklahoma is 8-21-2 ATS in its last 31 games against the Big 12.

UConn at Syracuse

* The Huskies are currently on a 5-game winning streak, during which they've defeated three Top 25 teams in Marquette, Indiana and Pittsburgh. “I’m very impressed with what we’re doing right now,” said UConn guard AJ Price. “We are not even at our peak yet.” EDGE: UCONN* The Syracuse Orange are winners of 3 straight and have also won 2 in a row against the Huskies. The Orange will also try to take advantage of a UConn team that will again be without one of its leading scorers. Sophomore guard Jerome Dyson (14 ppg) was one of two players suspended by coach Jim Calhoun after they were caught with alcohol on campus. EDGE: SYRACUSE* UConn is 5-14 ATS in its last 19 road games.* Syracuse is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games overall.* The UNDER is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.

#2 Duke at #3 North Carolina

* Duke is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 Wednesday games.* North Carolina is 25-7 ATS in its last 32 home games.* Underdog is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings.

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

Duke-UNC Betting Previewby Robert Ferringo

Outside skill or inside will? Royal blue or baby blue? Home favorite with an individual vendetta or higher-ranked road underdog looking for team revenge? Lots of questions about the regional and national college basketball landscape are going to be answered on Wednesday night when Duke wanders down Tobacco Road to tussle with No. 3 North Carolina in the biggest rivalry game in college basketball.

Second-ranked Duke will travel to Chapel Hill to face No. 3 North Carolina at 9 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6. Duke is 19-1 overall on the season and currently in first place in the ACC with a perfect 7-0 league mark. North Carolina is 20-1 and in second place in the ACC at 6-1.

The Tar Heels have controlled the series recently, winning four of the last six meetings outright including a clean sweep last season. North Carolina has been the second most profitable team in the country this year with a 15-4 mark against the spread and they are 4-1 ATS in their last five games against Duke at the Dean Dome.

Also, North Carolina is a sensational 10-3 ATS against the spread in this rivalry dating back to 2002. That being said, they will likely be favored in this contest (no line was available at the time this was published) and the chalk is just 3-10 ATS in the series.

This game features the proverbial "contrast in styles" as Duke is an exclusively perimeter team matched up against the interior size and strength of the Tar Heels. The tallest player in the Duke rotation is just 6-feet, 8-inches, and it's a soft 6-8 at that. North Carolina leads the nation in rebounding margin at +11.9 per game while Duke is just 99th. Conversely, the Blue Devils are 51st in the nation in 3-point accuracy while the Tar Heels are just 108th.

Both teams are comfortable in an up-tempo game and both feel comfortable if the score reaches the 80s. But the game will be determined by which club is able to execute their style of play. The Blue Devils will have absolutely no answer on the interior for North Carolina's All-American, 7-0 center Tyler Hansbrough. But I also don't see how UNC will be able to tag the plethora of shooters that the Blue Devils station around the arc.

Can UNC trade two-point baskets for three-point baskets for 40 minutes? Can Duke make enough trifecta's to even make it an issue? Any bet on this game should be based on how you answer those fundamental questions.

There is never a question of motivation in this matchup. And as I had mentioned, the puppy is on a stellar 10-3 ATS rush when these schools face off. However, beyond the exhausted historical and geographic subplots there are several more recent themes that underlie this matchup.

This is the first time these teams have met since last year's game at UNC where Duke forward Gerald Henderson treated Hansbrough's face like a whack-a-mole last March. That cheap shot by Henderson came with less than 20 seconds left in an 86-72 Tar Heel blowout and resulted in a broken nose for UNC's All-American forward. Coach Roy Williams and Hansbrough are too classy to exact any sinister manner of revenge. But you know that the baby blue-clad crowd is going to be all over Henderson, who has become Duke's second-leading scorer. I'm not certain that Henderson, a sophomore, is mature enough to handle the scene. And if he is a non-factor I don't know where the Blue Devils will find scoring to pick up the slack.

North Carolina does have issues of its own. Sophomore point guard Ty Lawson left the Tar Heels' last game with a severely sprained ankle and is questionable to play on Wednesday. While I do expect him to be in uniform, I don't expect him to see any serious minutes. UNC already lost backup point guard Bobby Frasor for the season, which leaves third-string triggerman Quentin Thomas to run the show for the high-octane Heels. Thomas is a senior and does have plenty of experience but he is nowhere near the floor leader that Lawson is.

I think Thomas will be ready. I think Henderson should be ready. And I know Dickie V will be ready. Now the only remaining issue is which team is going to cover one of the most highly anticipated and most actively wagered games on the college hoops calendar.

Re: Betting News and Notes - Feb 6

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -Arizona guard Nic Wise had knee surgery Wednesday and could miss four to six weeks.

Wise had surgery to repair a torn meniscus that he suffered last week at USC, coach Kevin O'Neill said. Wise managed to play against UCLA on Saturday, but when the injury did not improve, he was taken out of Tuesday's practice.

Wise's absence could be a big blow for the Wildcats (15-7, 5-4 Pac-10), who are tied for third in the Pac-10. Arizona has already weathered injuries to leading scorer Jerryd Bayless and forward Bret Brielmaier.

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